Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
I'm looking to make (or buy) just a no-frills triner for my hybrid bike. I don't want to shell out the money it takes to buy a real trainer, so I figured I might as well ask about a DIY here. All I'm looking for is something sturdy to prop my back wheel up and let me ride without really going anywhere. I don't think I care about resistance (correct me if I do - I know nothing about trainers). I'm looking for an alternative to going to the gym or going on a bike ride for those rainy/lazy days. Please, anything helps.
Patriot
02-16-05, 04:49 AM
Well, you won't get much resistance if the wheel is just "blowing in the wind" sorta speak. The result would be very little if any workout, and almost no benefit to your body. So, just spinning the wheel isn't really such a good idea.
If you want to build a real trainer, you will need the following...
1- Arc welding machine (to build a steel frame)
1- Centrifugal internal circulating pump (industrial grade)
1- Alloy or synthetic roller of your choice.
1- set of appropriately sized bearings (for the roller)
1- coupling (to attach the roller to the pump)
1- Supply of High grade synthetic oil (for the pump to add resistance)
1- Spring assembly (to provide proper tension)
1- set of pipe nipples and elbows (to recirc oil)
1- throttle valve w/remote actuator (to adjust resistance if you choose)
1- set of various nuts and bolts/screws
1- welding jig (to mount and hold the steel components when welding)
1- welding helmet
1- set of welding leathers
1- slag hammer
1- set of various steel plates in various thicknesses and sizes
1- steel band saw (to cut steel plating for pump mounts and brackets)
1- grinder (stone or angle type, your choice)
1- cooling bucket w/water for hardening small parts
1- 100amp / 220 volt electrical sytem for the welding machine
1- properly ventilated work area
In other words, go buy a trainer. :)
If you want an affordable unit, Minoura makes less expensive mag trainers that work just fine. Or, if you want one that is smoother and quieter, CycleOps Fluid 2 is rated well for the money. There are tons out there, but the CycleOps is a very common trainer that many people are pleased with. I personally, have a Performance brand TravelTrac with a wireless computer, and couldn't be happier.